The 2024 Formula 1 season has been ablaze with one of the fiercest on-track rivalries in recent memory, as Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have repeatedly gone head-to-head in high-stakes battles. While the championship takes a brief hiatus, this intense competition is still sparking conversations, especially with former F1 driver Karun Chandhok offering insights into Verstappen’s razor-sharp racing instincts.
The Red Bull driver’s bold style has earned both admiration and criticism. While both Verstappen and Norris have faced penalties this year, Chandhok argues that Verstappen has mastered the art of pushing boundaries within the rulebook. “Even in the wheel-to-wheel with Lando, he knew the rules,” Chandhok commented. “At 320 kilometers an hour, he’s thinking of scenarios, showing he’s obviously very intelligent.”
One of the season’s defining moments came at the Mexican Grand Prix, where Verstappen received a 20-second penalty for his aggressive tactics. Yet despite moments like these, Verstappen has largely avoided severe penalties, a testament to his disciplined understanding of the rules—especially against his primary title rival, Norris.
Chandhok believes Verstappen’s style was ingrained from a young age, citing a recent conversation with Max’s father, Jos Verstappen. “Max has always raced this way since go-karts,” Chandhok explained. “In his head, this is racing. This is the only way he knows, and why should he do any different?”
As Verstappen charges towards a fourth world title, he continues to cement his status as the dominant force in the ground-effect era. With his current Red Bull contract lasting until 2028, the Dutch driver’s long-term future in F1 remains uncertain, as he’s openly expressed interest in exploring other racing disciplines. For now, though, his rivalry with Norris is keeping fans on the edge of their seats, adding another thrilling chapter to his career.